As
a participant on many occasions in British democracy I cannot help but respect
the outcomes of our various elections, even if I am sometimes disappointed. Of
course, British democracy is a long way from perfect, and I campaign to improve
it. Nonetheless, we must agree to accept outcomes, to do otherwise invites
tyranny.
I
was a Remain campaigner, and I still find the Brexit verdict both perplexing
and disturbing.
I
value our economic well-being and prosperity. I also value peace in western
Europe. Above all, though, I value the UK’s role in the world. I am an
internationalist, and somewhat shocked by some who appear determined to isolate
the country and themselves.
As
a democrat I respect the decision taken at the referendum, but this is not
where democracy has to end. We can look at decisions to come and be asked to
accept or reject potential outcomes.
The
Brexit negotiations are revealing the reality of the UK outside of the EU. A poorer
nation, isolated and alone, struggling to compete with global economic
superpowers. Some will think unfavourable tariff arrangements, declining
influence, and jobs going abroad are a price worth paying. Others will not. Whatever,
lies were told during the referendum campaign and I suspect many are now having
second thoughts about the wisdom of voting Leave.
The
deal, when it is finally forged, may fall some way short of expectations. We
voted to leave the EU, but it can be reasonably argued that this was not a mandate
to leave at any price. It is not an unreasonable proposition, therefore, to
invite the British voting public, to pass verdict over the negotiations – and ask
whether it is ‘deal or no deal’. We must have a second referendum on that deal,
on the Brexit negotiations, and whether it gives us what we want. What it
finally looks like is so important to the future of the nation (and its
integrity) that we cannot just trust blindly wander off without regard to what
this really means to all our futures.
Some
will doubtless cry foul, think we only need the one vote and that is it.
However, democracy is an ongoing conversation. What a strange state of affairs
it would be if we were never allowed to change our minds, or be allowed to
voice opinions more than once.
